the damage to

USAGE SUMMARY

"the damage to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to physical damage caused to something or someone, usually as a result of some kind of force or action. For example, "The damage to the car was extensive after the accident".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The damage to Komen transcends image problems.

The New York Times

Aerial view of the damage to Ōtsuchi.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The damage to profits should be manageable.

The Economist

The damage to his psyche is terrible.

The New York Times

"But the damage to the Boardwalk -- zero.

The New York Times

"The damage to its reputation is superficial".

The New York Times

The damage to our image is significant.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately, the damage to the mosque comes after the damage to the old souk of Aleppo.

The Guardian

"Managing the damage to our communities will take years".

The New York Times

And then there's the damage to men accused of rape.

The Guardian

Well, the damage to my back was serious and expensive.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the damage to", ensure you clearly specify what is being damaged. For instance, instead of saying 'the damage was significant', specify 'the damage to the building was significant'.

Common error

Avoid using "the damage to" without a clear reference point. For example, instead of saying 'the damage to was severe', specify 'the damage to the environment was severe'. This helps provide clarity and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the damage to" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the subject being affected by harm or injury. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it preceding a specific entity, clarifying the recipient of the damage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the damage to" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate harm or injury sustained by something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across different contexts. As exemplified by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news, media, and encyclopedic sources. To ensure clarity, it's essential to specify what entity is being affected. While versatile, being specific strengthens the clarity and impact of your writing. Considering alternative phrases like "the impact on" or "the harm inflicted on" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the harm inflicted on

Focuses on the action of causing harm, rather than the state of being damaged.

the injury sustained by

Emphasizes the recipient of the injury or harm.

the impact on

Broader term that can encompass both positive and negative effects.

the effect on

Similar to 'impact', but more neutral in connotation.

the repercussions for

Highlights the consequences resulting from an action or event.

the toll on

Implies a cumulative negative effect over time.

the cost to

Focuses on the expense or sacrifice involved.

the detriment to

Highlights the negative impact and disadvantage.

the loss suffered by

Emphasizes the experience of losing something due to the damage.

the wear and tear on

Refers specifically to gradual damage over time due to use.

FAQs

How can I use "the damage to" in a sentence?

You can use "the damage to" to describe the harm or negative impact on something specific. For example, "the damage to the car was extensive" or "the damage to the economy could be considerable".

What are some alternatives to "the damage to"?

Alternatives include "the impact on", "the effect on", or "the harm inflicted on", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify what is being damaged after "the damage to"?

Yes, it's best practice to specify what's being affected to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the damage to was severe", clarify with "the damage to the ecosystem was severe".

What's the difference between "the damage to" and "damage of"?

"The damage to" is used to indicate what has been harmed (e.g., "the damage to the building"). "Damage of" isn't standard English; instead, use constructions like "types of damage".